Hale’iwa Is The Best Small Town In Hawaii For A Weekend Escape
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Megan Shute
Author
From Hanapepe, the charming Kauai town that inspired the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch to the tiny community nestled near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless small towns worthy of exploring. Truthfully, Hawaii is a collection of charming small towns – including the capital city of Honolulu, there are only 6 towns with a population of more than 30,000.
Across our beautiful islands, you will find rural villages nestled along mountain slopes, historic plantation towns stuck in time, and coastal communities with epic beach access, but none are as incredible as Hale’iwa – and our readers agreed. Whether you visit for a day or an entire week, there is so much to love about this charming coastal community in the Aloha State. Here are our favorite things to do in Haleiwa.
From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.
Is Haleiwa worth visiting?
Nestled on the northern shore of Oahu and serving as the gateway to some of the world’s best beaches for surfing, Haleiwa – population: 4,589 – was established in 1898 when businessman Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel on the north shore of Oahu and named it Hale’iwa.
Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
In the Hawaiian language, "hale" translates to house and an "iwa" is a frigate bird, so Haleiwa means simply "home of the frigate birds."
Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Haleiwa is a safe, sleepy small town best known for its creative vibe, Aloha Spirit, and magnificent surroundings. It is also a mecca for big wave surfers -- especially in the winter months when massive waves crash against the shore.
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How To Get To Haleiwa
Located just an hour outside of the bustling tourist mecca of Waikiki, Haleiwa is easily accessible when driving from anywhere on the island of Oahu. If you fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) from a neighboring island, the mainland, or beyond, visiting Haleiwa is as simple as grabbing a rental car from any of the companies at the airport and driving 40 minutes into town.
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Getting Around Haleiwa
It's easy to walk around the short stretch of Haleiwa Town, but you'll definitely want to rent a car for this weekend -- to experience the best of the North Shore, you'll need to do a fair amount of driving. Our furthest destinations are 12 miles apart, and public transportation in this area is inconsistent at best.
Best Time To Visit Haleiwa
There is never a bad time to visit Haleiwa. This north shore Oahu town is busiest during the month of July, and the best time to visit for optimal weather -- and manageable waves -- is April through June. Surfers flock to the area in the winter, but if you've never been surfing before, you might want to stay out of the water November through February.
Where To Stay In Haleiwa
First things first, let's discuss lodging: while there are no hotels in Haleiwa proper, there are several unique Airbnbs in the area as well as the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort, just 12 miles away.
Turtle Bay Resort, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, USA
Set on 850 lush acres and overlooking a stretch of pristine beach and turquoise waters on Oahu’s breathtaking north shore, Turtle Bay Resort offers 443 island-inspired accommodations, from villas and cottages to guest rooms and suites.
Self-proclaimed as Oahu’s most experiential resort, there is so, so much to love about Turtle Bay Resort, including everything from live entertainment and ukulele lessons to kayaking, horseback riding, and sunset meditation. You might even want to spend an extra day here just to explore all of the amenities this luxury resort has to offer. Rooms range in price from $300 to more than $1,000 per night, so we understand if you'd prefer a local Airbnb instead.
Morning One: Coffee, Shopping, And Exploring
We’ll start our first morning in Haleiwa at the Coffee Gallery.
Coffee Gallery, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy c106, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
This cozy coffee shop has been named one of Hawaii’s premier coffee roasters, and as soon as you step inside your senses will be delighted by the smell of coffee roasting on the in-house Diedrich roasters by baristas who roast small batches of Hawaiian coffee each and every day.
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Coffee Gallery, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy c106, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Their fresh artisan brews are delicious, but their lavender lattes are my absolute favorite. Order an acai bowl with your coffee and you have a scrumptious breakfast that will fuel your adventures all morning. Gorgeous artwork and cozy seating at The Coffee Gallery will make you feel right at home, and you’ll love browsing through an eclectic selection of coffee mugs, souvenirs, and coffee.
Haleiwa Store Lots, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Surf N Salsa, 66521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Camaron Shrimp Truck is popular for its scrumptious shrimp, but I personally love the Mexican flavors served at Surf N Salsa.
In my experience, Hawaii's food trucks are fairly stationary, so you'll always find tasty food at these locations.
In my experience, Hawaii's food trucks are fairly stationary, so you'll always find tasty food at these locations.
Afternoon One: Shave Ice, Paddleboarding, Beach Hopping, And Sushi
After lunch, it’s time to indulge in a treat from the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice.
Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
This little shop was founded as a small, family-owned grocery store in the 1950s and is now one of Oahu’s must-visit destinations, with more than 2,500 reviews on TripAdvisor alone. On a hot summer day, Matsumoto's produces upwards of a thousand shave ices!
Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Featuring more than 40 flavors, and the ability to choose up to three flavors in each cup, as well as a variety of extras including condensed milk, mochi, azuki beans, and vanilla ice cream, the combinations are endless.
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Tropical Rush, 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy A, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
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Tropical Rush, 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy A, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Grab a rental from Tropical Rush, a surf shop known for its rentals and shave ice. Your journey will begin at the mouth of the Anahulu River near the Rainbow Bridge, where you can head inland to enjoy the quiet serenity of the river or into Waialua Bay and Haleiwa Harbor, where you will encounter waves and might spot a sea turtle or two! There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent on the water, and paddleboarding is one of our favorite activities!
Rentals are done by the hour, and we recommend a two-hour rental for maximum enjoyment. Last we checked, the cost was less than $20 per board for two hours of fun.
Rentals are done by the hour, and we recommend a two-hour rental for maximum enjoyment. Last we checked, the cost was less than $20 per board for two hours of fun.
Laniakea Beach, North Shore, HI 96712, USA
Our favorites are Haleiwa Beach Park for its close proximity to town, Laniakea Beach (also known as Turtle Beach, pictured above) to swim with sea turtles, and Papa’iloa Beach. Other further away beaches include Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach Park, and Kawela Bay. You might even want to take surf lessons at the iconic Banzai Pipeline. Hawaii's beaches are all public, so all you'll need to do is pop an address in your GPS and then find parking.
North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
With traditional floor seating, Japanese lanterns, and lush greenery, the ambiance at this sushi hotspot will welcome you will open arms, and perhaps even transport you straight to Japan.
North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
From seared ahi furikake served with microgreens and a shoyu dressing to tempura vegetables and a variety of other non-seafood appetizers, sides and everything in between, the food at Banzai Sushi Bar is sure to delight.
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Sunset Beach Park, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Located between Waimea Bay and Turtle Bay along Oahu’s north shore, Sunset Beach has been one of our favorite Hawaii beaches for as long as we can remember. Setting the sky ablaze in a colorful display, the sunsets witnessed here are truly second to none, and you’ll want to bring your camera.
Morning Two: Snorkeling And Hawaiian History
After you’ve woken up and enjoyed a cup of coffee and breakfast at your hotel or Airbnb, our morning of adventure will begin with some snorkeling.
Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI, USA
Sharks Cove, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA
They’re less than half a mile apart and the current allows for a beautiful journey along the coast. It's easiest to bring your own gear or purchase some at Walmart, but North Shore Surf Shop and Surf N Sea both offer rentals in town -- a half-day rental is less than $10 at Surf N Sea.
Puu O Mahuka, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA
Located on a hillside overlooking Waimea Bay, this heiau – an ancient Hawaiian temple – is the largest on the island, and might have been constructed as early as the 1600s. In the late 1700s, during a period of political upheaval, it is suspected that there was human sacrifice at the temple, perhaps to encourage war success.
There's no cost to enter, but the road winds up the mountain and features quite a few blind turns.
There's no cost to enter, but the road winds up the mountain and features quite a few blind turns.
Afternoon Two: Gardens, Waterfalls, And Beaches
After grabbing lunch at one of the nearby food trucks – Pupukea Grill and North Shore Shrimp Truck are popular spots – it’s time to enjoy a leisurely stroll and a dip in a waterfall swimming hole at Waimea Valley.
Waimea Botanical Garden, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
An area of historic cultural significance, the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to one of the most impressive collections of Polynesian plants in existence. The main trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is entirely paved with plenty of unpaved offshoots to check out along the way and leads to a stunning little waterfall where you can make a splash.
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Waimea Botanical Garden, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors will have to pay a $6-20 entrance fee, but once inside, the stroll to the waterfall is quick and features a changing room, life jackets available for free use, and lifeguards on duty.
?Ehukai Beach Park, 59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Hale?iwa Beach House, 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
This casual spot features sweeping views of the Oahu coast, a stunning patio, a laid-back and quirky atmosphere, and mouthwatering food.
Hale?iwa Beach, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
From standard burgers to classic seafood dishes and everything in between, there's something for everyone at the Haleiwa Beach House – and don't forget to order a colorful cocktail or one of 16 beers on tap to accompany your meal. If you want to enjoy a sunset, book a reservation in advance.
There’s truly so much to love about the small town of Haleiwa. So, tell us, what else do you need to know to start planning your trip and packing your bags? To discover more attractions nearby, check out these 17 can’t-miss destinations on Oahu’s north shore.
Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast
Only In Your State’s podcast Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Haleiwa, Hawaii, and everything it has to offer. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston, discuss what their “Perfect Day” in Haleiwa would consist of. From wildlife hiking trails to sleeping in a cottage by the ocean, take a look at the infographic below to get your own suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.
To discover even more about visiting Haleiwa, Hawaii, in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA